Quoting is when you copy words, a phrase, sentence or passage straight from a source and incorporate them into your own writing. You must always provide a reference when you quote another source directly, and particular punctuation or formatting must be used to show where the quote begins and ends.
In APA 7 there are two different quoting styles you can use: short direct quotations and block quotations.
1. Short direct quotations (i.e. less than 40 words long) should be enclosed in double quotation marks ("...") and be accompanied by an in-text reference including a page number where possible. For example:
"Schools and school children can play an effective role in increasing awareness and adoption of healthful practices and products at home" (Freeman & Clasen, 2011, p. 376).
2. Block quotations are longer quotes (i.e. longer than 40 words) and should be presented without quotation marks, be indented, and be accompanied by an in-text reference including a page number where possible. For example:
Freeman and Clasen (2011, p. 376) state that:
When should you include a direct quote in your writing?
A general rule of thumb is to use quotes sparingly in your writing, unless instructed otherwise. However, there are times where a quote can be useful. For example, a quote can be good if the original idea is especially insightful, well-expressed and succinct. A quote can also be used when incorporating definitions of key concepts in your writing.
Not using APA 7 in your studies?
Visit the Referencing style guides module on this site to access information regarding other referencing styles and their conventions.